Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi can flourish, believes Arsene Wenger after midfielder impressed during FA Cup win over Burnley

  • Alex Iwobi played key role during Arsenal's victory over Burnley  
  • Iwobi is nephew of Nigeria and Bolton legend Jay-Jay Okocha  

Arsene Wenger is confident Alex Iwobi can shine at Arsenal after the 19-year-old repaid his manager's faith in him by impressing on his third start for the club.

The attacking midfielder, nephew of Jay-Jay Okocha, rounded out a solid display by laying on key passes in the build up for both Arsenal goals against Burnley in the FA Cup.

Wenger said he was glad he persevered with Iwobi, who has come off the bench four times in the Premier League this season, after recognising the Nigeria international's raw talent a few years ago.

Alex Iwobi (left) impressed for Arsenal during their FA Cup win over Championship side Burnley

Alex Iwobi (left) impressed for Arsenal during their FA Cup win over Championship side Burnley

Arsene Wenger has backed the talented 19-year-old to flourish at the Emirates Stadium

Arsene Wenger has backed the talented 19-year-old to flourish at the Emirates Stadium

'He is a boy who, two years ago, not many would have said he (will make it). You see he develops very well because he's very clever,' Wenger told the club's website.


'I like his game, I like the timing of his decision making and the quality of his decision making. He always turns where you want him to turn and he plays the ball where you want him to play the ball. He's very interesting.'

Iwobi played a key role in two of Arsenal's goals as Calum Chambers celebrates his fine finish

Iwobi played a key role in two of Arsenal's goals as Calum Chambers celebrates his fine finish

The highly-rated youngster is nephew of Nigeria and Bolton trickster Jay-Jay Okocha (centre)

The highly-rated youngster is nephew of Nigeria and Bolton trickster Jay-Jay Okocha (centre)

The Gunners, who were drawn at home to Hull City in the fifth round, are third in the league, three points behind leaders Leicester City after 23 games.

Arsenal will hope to make ground on Claudio Ranieri's charges when they host eighth-placed Southampton in the league on Tuesday with Leicester welcoming Liverpool at the same time.

The Gunners then travel to struggling Bournemouth on Sunday, as they look collect maximum points before playing the Foxes in a title showdown. 

Iwobi made only his third start for the club but terrorised the Clarets defence with his direct running 

Iwobi made only his third start for the club but terrorised the Clarets defence with his direct running